Tip From The Top

By Christian Lindberg

Christian Lindberg is an extremely rare breed of trombonist, a classical soloist.

He began his professional career as a 19 year old with the Royal Stockholm Orchestra just two years after learning to play the trombone. Having decided that orchestral work was not for him, he gave hipmelffive years to make it on the concert plaiform - an almost unheard of ambition for a trombone player.

After two more years of study in Stockholm, he won an overseas scholarship and came to London to study with Denis Wick and Peter Gane. A further six months in Los Angeles under Roger Bobo and Ralph Sauer prepared him for the tough, physical schedule required of a solo performer.

He has won many international competitions, including the First and Special Prizes in the Frank Martin Competition, and several composers have written works specially for him. At the International Trombone Workshop at Eton in 1989 he gave the first performance of the Derek Bourgeois Trombone Concerto, and the following evening took the stage for an unforgettable recital which not only proved him to be a great soloist, but also a considerable entertainer.

He numbers more than 40 works in his solo repertoire, and will spend up to a year on preparing a piece for concert performance.

The way to the goal is what makes it worthwhile. Not the goal in itself To see a baby learn how to walk is an exciting event. The energy it puts into it is enormous, but when the goal is reached it is not exciting any more. A new goal is immediately set up by the baby.

I have seen many frustrated and unhappy musicians. Before they reach the job they are after, their spirit and will to play can be ever so great. But to see a musician who has been so-called 'satisfied' with his position in an orchestra for five or ten years, without trying to reach new goals, can be one of the most depressing sights you can imagine.

To many people, being a soloist like me can seem glamorous in itself. They might think that in a situation like that, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy being famous and rich. But I can assure you that the minute I stop trying to reach new goals with my instrument, my life would feet meaningless and no one would like to hear my concerts any more.

So whatever level you are at, do always strive for a better sound, a softer pp, a better intonation, a greater musical mind. There are no limits to how far you can go. That is what makes it so exciting!

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